VST has been the hallmark of Steinberg, a technology so popular and virtually universal that the acronym itself has become more memorable than its originator. This technology that Steinberg had created has delivered a very huge impact in the musical landscape as almost every known musical instrument has been replicated in VST format. So much has been the move towards new sounds in VST format that a few developers have actually gone ahead of Steinberg in terms of one important instrument, the piano. Getting back into the virtual piano race, Steinberg The Grand 3 is now out and shipping to stores to remind people that they are the ones who ultimately hold the keys to VST.

The Grand 3 boasts of being the ultimate piano suite in VST format, with its array of five renowned pianos. Three pianos in this VST are famous concert grand pianos, the Yamaha C7, the Bosendorfer 290 Imperial, and the Steinway D. Also emulated is the distinctive touring electric grand piano, the Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand, and the Nordiska Pianofabriken upright piano, designed for jazz and pop music.

A convolution reverb has been built in to The Grand 3, which is based on the same technology as REVerence (the world's first VST3-based convolution reverb) found in Cubase 5. This built-in reverb has been designed to emulate any acoustic environment where a piano might be located. A four-band parametric equalizer as well as analog-style peak filters are also present to further tweak the tone. An integrated MIDI recorder allows pianists to instantly record performances as MIDI files to capture that sudden spark of inspiration. The integrated metronome aids in practice to help musicians play in time.

Besides a VST version, Steinberg also has a standalone version of the Grand 3 available. Steinberg The Grand 3 will be available by mid-August of 2009. Pricing is still TBA.